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5 ways to reset yourself for 2019

You made it to 2019—congrats! If you’re anything like me, you’ve adopted the standard “new year, new me” attitude and are ready to start the semester off on a good note! But how?!

For many, it’s all about hitting the reset button and getting a fresh start. Out with the old and in with the new! Onward and upward! You get what I’m saying… Here are five ways you can also reset yourself for 2019.

1. Make yourself (and your health) a priority

Make yourself your No. 1 priority this year by taking care of your health—both physically and mentally.

Learning to prioritize yourself and your wellbeing is key to creating a good life for yourself. When we fail to practice self-compassion, we can lose sight of ourselves and actually perform and feel worse overall.

There are many ways to improve your physical health. For starters, you can make an effort to eat healthier and start an exercise routine. You can book an eye or dental exam, and you can stop by an STI screening clinic on campus. Check out some fitness classes offered at Dalplex, Sexton Gym or Langille Athletic Centre, or head outside for a winter stroll.

There are also many ways to improve your mental health. Check out Q-Life or WellTrack, Dalhousie’s online self-help programs. In Halifax you can also attend a group counselling session for anxiety, resilience, eating disorders or grief through Student Health & Wellness.

2. Plan a budget

Money matters, but can seem tough to find when you’re a university student. But your personal finances can be, and should be, planned and managed to ensure you’re setting yourself up for a successful (and less stressful) year.

Plan a weekly or monthly budget (our blog post on How to Budget Your Money for the Year can help with that!), apply for scholarships and bursaries, or consider a part-time job (if your workload allows). There are tons of ways to find money as a student! But remember, it’s always up to you to manage it responsibly.

3. Reconnect with friends and family

Are there friends or family members that you haven’t had the chance to talk to in a while? University gets busy and it can be difficult to stay in touch. But why not reach out? Shoot them a text, send them a postcard or give them a call. Maintaining your social relationships and your network of support systems is essential for self-care.

5. Try out a new study strategy or study spot

There are so many study strategies out there—from flash-card applications like Anki, to time-management techniques like the Pomodoro method—that are definitely worth trying if you’re looking for a new way to study more efficiently. Changing up your study location can be effective too. There are plenty of great spots on all our campuses!

5. Make a not-to-do list

Do you have bad habits that you want to leave back in 2018? Write them down as part of your “Not-To-Do” list for the New Year! You can post the list on a mirror or your desk so you’re reminded of your goals every day.